Herbie Murray
It is not uncommon for newborns to laugh in their sleep. This phenomenon is generally considered harmless and is often a result of the baby's developing nervous system. During REM sleep, newborns may make involuntary movements or sounds, such as twitching or smiling, and laughter can be included in this category. While it is usually nothing to worry about, in rare cases, sleep laughter can be indicative of a more serious health condition, such as REM sleep behaviour disorder or gelastic seizures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Commonness | Laughing during sleep is a common occurrence in newborns. |
| Cause | The cause is not entirely clear, but it is believed to be a reflex or a response to dream-like activity. |
| Safety | In most cases, newborn laughter during sleep is harmless. |
| Health Concerns | In rare cases, newborn laughter during sleep can be a symptom of a neurological disorder or gelastic seizures. |
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What You'll Learn
It is normal for newborns to laugh in their sleep
It is perfectly normal for newborns to laugh in their sleep. In fact, laughing during sleep, or hypnogely, is a common occurrence in babies and is usually harmless. During the first few months of life, babies sleep in short cycles that alternate between active and quiet periods. Newborns also sleep a lot—up to 17 hours a day—but they can't stay asleep for long periods and will usually sleep for only 2-3 hours at a time.
Babies experience an equivalent of REM sleep called active sleep, during which their bodies can make involuntary movements and sounds, which may contribute to smiles and laughter. While it is unclear whether babies dream, it is believed that laughter during sleep is often a reflex rather than a response to a dream. However, babies likely experience dream-like activity during sleep, and their laughter may be a way for them to process and practice the emotions they experience during the day. Additionally, laughter during sleep may be a sign of a baby's developing social and emotional skills or sense of humour.
In rare cases, laughter during sleep can be a sign of a more serious health condition. For example, it could be a symptom of REM sleep behaviour disorder, in which the paralysis of limbs does not occur during REM sleep, causing the person to act out their dreams physically. It can also be associated with non-REM sleep arousal parasomnias, which are similar to being half-asleep and half-awake, and include sleepwalking and sleep terrors. In very rare instances, laughter during sleep can be caused by gelastic seizures, which are short seizures lasting around 10-20 seconds and can start in infancy around 10 months old. If you are concerned about your baby's health or well-being, it is always best to contact their healthcare provider.
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Laughing in sleep is harmless
It is perfectly normal for newborns to laugh in their sleep, and it is usually harmless. Laughing during sleep, also called hypnogely, is a relatively common occurrence, and it can often be seen in babies. In fact, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most babies smile in their sleep before they smile while awake.
The exact cause of a baby's laughter in sleep is not known. While it is believed that laughter in adults is usually a response to dreams during REM sleep, it is uncertain whether babies dream. Since babies under six months likely don't dream, their laughter during sleep is probably more of a reflex than a response to a dream. Researchers note that babies may twitch, smile, or make involuntary movements during active sleep, which is equivalent to REM sleep in adults. These involuntary movements may contribute to smiles and laughter during sleep.
In very rare instances, laughter during sleep in infants can be a sign of gelastic seizures, which are short seizures lasting around 10 to 20 seconds, and can start in infancy around 10 months old. These seizures cause episodes of uncontrolled giggling or laughter and can occur many times a day. However, if you notice your baby laughing or smiling while asleep, it is most likely a normal and healthy occurrence.
Overall, laughing in sleep is generally harmless and not something to worry about. It is a common occurrence and is often a natural response to dreams or, in the case of babies, a reflex during active sleep.
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Sleep laughter can be a sign of a sleep disorder
Sleep laughter, also known as hypnogely, is a relatively common occurrence, often seen in babies and children. While it is usually harmless, in rare cases, it can be a sign of a sleep disorder or a neurological issue.
Sleep laughter typically occurs during REM sleep, when most dreaming takes place. During REM sleep, the eyes move rapidly, the heartbeat and blood pressure are similar to when one is awake, and the limbs are temporarily paralyzed to prevent acting out dreams. However, in some cases, individuals with REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) do not experience this muscle paralysis and may act out their dreams physically, including laughing aloud. RBD is associated with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia, and it tends to affect older males, with an average onset age of around 60 years.
Sleep laughter can also be associated with non-REM sleep arousal parasomnias, which are states of being half-asleep and half-awake. These parasomnias include sleepwalking and sleep terrors and are more common in children but can also occur in adults.
In infants, sleep laughter is often considered a reflex or an involuntary movement during active sleep, the equivalent of REM sleep in babies. However, in rare cases, it could be a sign of gelastic seizures, which are short seizures characterised by bouts of uncontrolled laughter or giggling. These seizures can occur multiple times a day, lasting around 10 to 20 seconds, and may be accompanied by a vacant stare or unusual bodily movements. If you notice these symptoms regularly, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Babies may laugh in their sleep as a reflex
It is generally considered a normal occurrence for babies to laugh in their sleep. During REM sleep, infants may make several involuntary movements or sounds. While parents may wonder if laughing during sleep signals a sleep disorder, this symptom is usually not a cause for concern.
Babies sleep differently than adults. During the first few months of life, they sleep in short cycles that alternate between active and quiet periods. Newborns also sleep a lot—up to 17 hours a day—but they can't stay asleep for long periods. Most babies will sleep for only 2-3 hours at a time. Throughout the night, a baby will cycle through different stages of sleep. During the first stage of NREM sleep, a baby is easily awakened and may even open their eyes for brief periods.
Babies have a wide range of involuntary reflexes, like the Moro (or startle) reflex, which causes them to suddenly extend their arms and legs when they hear a loud noise. Similarly, it is believed that babies may smile or laugh as a reflex while they are asleep. This is supported by the fact that babies experience an equivalent of REM sleep called active sleep, during which their bodies can make involuntary movements that might contribute to smiles and laughter.
In very rare instances, there are types of seizures that can occur in infants that cause episodes of uncontrolled giggling, called gelastic seizures. These are short seizures, lasting around 10 to 20 seconds, which can start in infancy around 10 months old. However, these seizures are exceptionally rare, occurring in only 0.05% of people.
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Laughing in sleep can be a sign of neurological issues
Laughing in sleep, also known as hypnogely, is generally harmless and a common occurrence. However, in rare instances, it can be an indication of an underlying neurological issue. While it is not entirely clear why babies laugh in their sleep, it is often believed to be a reflex or involuntary movement during active sleep, which is the equivalent of REM sleep in infants.
In adults, laughing in sleep usually occurs during REM sleep, when most dreaming takes place. It is typically attributed to humorous or amusing dreams, with the laughter being an involuntary reaction to the dream content. However, in rare cases, it can be a symptom of REM sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) or other parasomnias. During RBD, individuals do not experience the usual muscle paralysis associated with REM sleep, leading them to act out their dreams physically. This can include laughing, shouting, or talking, and it tends to worsen over time. RBD is more common in older males and is often associated with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia, and multiple system atrophy.
Additionally, laughing in sleep can be linked to other neurological conditions, such as hypothalamic hamartoma (HH). HH is a congenital condition that can cause gelastic seizures, which are characterised by bouts of uncontrolled laughter or giggling. These seizures can occur at any time but often happen as a person is falling asleep. They may be preceded by physical sensations such as a tickling feeling in the chest or a headache, and the person may exhibit automatic behaviours like lip smacking before the seizure.
While laughing in sleep is usually harmless, it is important to seek medical advice if it is accompanied by other symptoms, causes distress, or occurs frequently. Consulting a healthcare professional can help rule out any underlying medical or psychiatric conditions and ensure overall health and well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is normal for a newborn to laugh in their sleep. It is a common occurrence and is usually harmless.
It is not entirely clear why newborns laugh in their sleep. Some researchers believe it is a reflex, while others believe it is a sign of a baby's developing sense of humour or social and emotional skills.
Sleep laughing is also called hypnogely.
Sleep laughing usually happens during REM sleep, but it can also occur during non-REM sleep. It typically happens in the second half of the night and may wake the sleeper up.
